For many people, simply having a job with a steady income isn’t enough to fulfill them. If you are the type who wants to make an impact on people and immerse yourself in different cultures, there is work available for you. Though you could start your own nonprofit or forge an individual opportunity based on your unique skills, there are some reputable careers available through established organizations that hire people of different backgrounds to do exactly what you’re dreaming of -- traveling the world and helping people.

Joining the Peace Corps

The Peace Corps is a federal agency designed to help underprivileged global communities and promote cultural understanding. Workers are called volunteers, although all travel and work-related expenses are paid, and they do receive an ongoing stipend and one-time readjustment fee at the end of service. Each work period is 27 months, including training, and the skills you learn while working often translate well into experience needed for other global careers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), completion of Peace Corps service also can provide you special eligibility for government jobs, meaning more opportunities to travel and help people.

Becoming Part of the National Guard

Members of the National Guard work in the United States and abroad to protect national interests. They respond to emergencies like hurricanes, forest fires and floods. According to the BLS, guardmen must be self-disciplined and should be prepared for extensive physical training. There are subcategories of work within the National Guard, as well, including medical logistics specialists, translators, avionic mechanics and cooks. The National Guard may be especially appealing if you don’t have a college degree, because basic requirements are only that you are a U.S. citizen (or permanent legal resident) and you are at least 17 years old.

Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a humanitarian organization comprised of medical professionals who work in over 60 countries to help ill and suffering people. MSF is unique in that it isn’t affiliated with any political or religious agendas -- its workers provide aid based on need alone. MSF hires physical and mental health professionals, nurses, administrators, lab techs and more. According to its website, MSF cover the cost of travel, room and board, and pays a monthly salary starting at $1,498, along with a benefits package.

International Prepareration Workers

If you have a bachelor’s degree and experience in education, business, language or anthropology, you may find your calling as an international preparation worker. According to the BLS, international preparation workers work for private organizations, the federal government or individual clients to help them navigate the logistics and cultural challenges of traveling abroad. They may help with translation, adjusting to new cultural practices, transportation and lodging, and health and safety practices. International preparation workers may help short-term travelers, like businesspeople, or long-term clients who intend to relocate to a foreign country.